. >> for russia, they're saying all hope is lost for a diplomatic deal and calling for a meeting of the u.n. security counsel. that is scheduled for noon today. launched a counterassault to dislodge pro russian separatists. now, ukraine says it's holding four suspects. >> and there are hundreds of u.s. troops now deployed to certain countries in that region on stand by in poland. also, the baltics, so the u.s. is a key interest here and watchful eye on what's going on. let's duoto washington where wolf blitzer and the political team are waiting for this news conference. wolf? >> this is cnn breaking news. >> thanks very much. we are following very important news. we're standing by for a major news conference. we're looking at live pictures from the rose garden just outside the oval office. the president of the united states has been meeting inside with angela merkel. they're about to speak. the president will make an opening statement, followed by angela merkel, then they will open it up to questions from reporters. we have extensive coverage coming up here on cnn. joining us in the stu